Morgenrot chairman and founder Rudi Plath passes away

By James Lawrence

Published: 20 December, 2021

Rudi Plath, the founder of Morgenrot and well-known character in the wine and beer trade, passed away on 17 December.

Born in Germany, Rudi was a major pioneer in the UK trade, importing premium German beers and wines at a time when the supermarkets were full of generic brands.

After completing his national service and training as a banker, Rudi decided to find new opportunities in the UK in 1964, initially working in wine sales.

Discovering a major passion for beer and wine, he subsequently established his own small import business, Ahrkellerei Morgenrot, in September 1970. The firm was a joint project with his wife Valerie Glover (also pictured), who Rudi met in 1965. They moved to Manchester in 1967 and married in 1968.

Their first joint venture began life as a modest enterprise, operating out of an old garage in Bolton. They specialised in German wine initially, but soon expanded into importing German beer and products from other international markets.

Fast forward fifty years and Morgenrot is still proudly independent and family-run distributing its products the length and breadth of the UK. Many of its customer and suppliers have traded with the business for many years, several for over 30 years, helping shape the company we know today.

Sadly, Rudi developed Alzheimer’s in 2009, a condition from which he never recovered. He leaves behind his loving wife Valerie, grandson Freddie, granddaughter Ada and his son, Carl Plath, who has been running the company since Rudi took a step back following his diagnosis.

“We will continue driving forward our iconic brands and unique business in memory of Rudi and with the same hard work, passion, and dedication he always showed,” said John Critchley, commercial director at Morgenrot.

Anyone wishing to attend the virtual service for Rudi Plath is invited to ask for further details via enquiries@morgenrot.co.uk

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